For nearly a decade, Eran Ganot has stood as the steady hand behind the University of Hawai‘i men’s basketball program—a leader who’s brought accountability, defense, and Pacific pride to the hardwood. Since taking over in 2015, Ganot has guided the Rainbow Warriors to multiple 20-win seasons, a 2016 NCAA Tournament win, and a standard rooted in discipline and culture.
But after a 15–16 (7–13 Big West) finish last year, the 2024–25 campaign marked one of Ganot’s least productive seasons at the helm. Now, entering Year 10, the message is clear: reset the tone, rebuild the roster, and return to the top half of the Big West.
“We’re excited about this group. We’ve added high-character guys who’ve won at every level, and now we want to blend that with the pride of wearing Hawai‘i across your chest,” Ganot told local media.
He’s not doing it alone—NBA champion Patty Mills has joined the staff as General Manager, bringing championship culture and global credibility to the program. Now, with a mix of proven transfers, young scorers, and battle-tested returners, the Rainbow Warriors look ready to make waves in 2025–26.
🌈 Full Scouting Report: Hawai‘i’s 2025–26 Core
🔁 Incoming Transfers & Fresh Faces
🔹 Jalen Myers | 6’8″ | F | Norfolk State → Hawai‘i
Stats: 10.5 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 52.1% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 86.0% FT (2024–25 season)
🔑 Profile: Graduate transfer forward with five years of DI experience and NCAA Tournament pedigree. A smooth, left-handed scorer who fits Hawai‘i’s system with spacing, toughness, and maturity.
▲ High-efficiency scorer, smart cutter, elite free-throw shooter (86%)
▲ Veteran presence; started 29 games on a tournament team
▼ Not a rim protector; average defensive rebounder for size
🔹 Isaac Johnson | 7’0″ | C | Utah State → Hawai‘i
Stats: 3.7 PPG, 1.7 RPG | 54% FG
🔑 Profile: Mobile 7-footer with touch around the rim and a face-up game. Former top-100 recruit.
▲ Length, soft hands, spacing potential
▼ Low production in high-major minutes, needs motor and strength
🔹 Isaac Finlinson | 6’8″ | SF | Snow College (JUCO POY)
Stats: 18.7 PPG, 6.6 RPG | 3× 30+ point games
🔑 Profile: Polished scorer with high basketball IQ. National JUCO D-I Player of the Year.
▲ Shot creation, efficiency, winner’s pedigree
▼ Lateral quickness vs wings at DI level
🔹 Tanner Cuff | 6’7″ | G | Evansville via JUCO
Stats: 8.8 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.2 APG
🔑 Profile: Cerebral wing with passing chops and rebounding instincts.
▲ Versatility, size for position, glue guy
▼ Needs to improve catch-and-shoot game
🔹 Hunter Erickson | 6’3″ | G | Utah → Hawai‘i
Stats (Est.): 6.4 PPG, 2.1 APG | Played 37 career games
🔑 Profile: Combo guard with downhill ability and confident pull-up game.
▲ Experience, strong off-ball movement
▼ Streaky shooter, average defender vs quicker guards
🔹 Dre Bullock | 6’6″ | G/F | South Dakota → Hawai‘i
Stats: 12.1 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.4 SPG | Career-high 31 pts vs Omaha
🔑 Profile: Athletic scorer who thrives in open floor and uses length to defend wings.
▲ Aggressive scorer, transition finisher, active hands
▼ Needs consistency in shot selection and decision-making
🔹 AJ Economou | 6’6″ | Wing | SoCal Academy
🔑 Profile: Intriguing freshman wing with upside as a 3&D contributor.
▲ Frame, defensive upside, spacing potential
▼ Still developing at DI speed
🔹 Hunter Carter | 6’5″ | G | Rosemary Anderson Prep (Portland, OR)
Ranking: ★★★ (247Sports), #40 PG nationally (Class of 2025)
🔑 Profile: Big lead guard with vision and scoring instinct. Sleeper impact freshman.
▲ Size for position, IQ, mid-range polish
▼ Needs to tighten handle under pressure, physical development
🔹 Isaiah Kerr | 6’3″ | G | Junior
Stats (Est.): 13.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.2 APG
🔑 Profile: Tough, scoring guard with leadership traits and a proven DII résumé.
▲ Size, poise, shot-maker
▼ D1 transition speed, assist/TO ratio
🔹 Yacine Toumi | 6’10″ | F | Senior
Stats (Est.): 3.9 PPG, 2.8 RPG (Seton Hall); 10.4 PPG, 6.5 RPG (Evansville)
🔑 Profile: Long, mobile forward with stretch tools and international experience.
▲ Length, face-up touch, passing feel
▼ Rebounding toughness, rim protection
🔁 Returning Core
🔹 Aaron Hunkin-Claytor |6’3” | PG | Sophomore
2024–25: Limited minutes, flashes of shot-making and maturity
🔑 Profile: Emerging backcourt piece with a chance to start in Year 2.
▲ Familiarity with system, poised tempo, great vision, floor general
▼ Needs to prove he can run the offense full-time
🔹 Harry Rouhliadeff | 6’9″ | PF | Senior
Stats (Est.): 5.4 PPG, 4.2 RPG
🔑 Profile: Physical forward who defends, rebounds, and finishes through contact.
▲ Experience, toughness, vocal leader
▼ Athletic ceiling vs elite forwards
🧠 Gameplan Shaped by Patty Mills
🔥 The X-Factor: Patty Mills as GM
The addition of Patty Mills as General Manager could be transformational. While he won’t suit up, Mills’ experience with the San Antonio Spurs, Brooklyn Nets, and Australian National Team adds credibility that few mid-majors can match.
“Patty brings the exact kind of culture we want,” said Ganot. “He’s done it at the highest level and understands what it takes.”
Look for Mills to impact:
- 🔹 Recruiting & NIL relationships
- 🔹 Player development & mindset
- 🔹 Public engagement & national visibility
📊 Strengths vs. Weaknesses
✅ Team Strengths
- 🔺 Length & Versatility: Johnson (7’0), Finlinson (6’8), Bullock (6’6), Cuff (6’7) give them switchability at 2–4.
- 🔺 Backcourt Depth: Carr, Clayton, Erickson, and Bullock give Hawai‘i options at every guard spot.
- 🔺 Veteran Culture: Ganot + Mills + senior returners = accountability and consistency.
⚠️ Team Concerns
- 🔻 Chemistry: Seven new rotation players means early-season learning curve.
- 🔻 Interior Defense: Need Johnson and Rouhliadeff to anchor paint vs top-tier bigs.
- 🔻 Outside Shooting: Spot-up threats still unproven — Cuff, Finlinson, and Clayton must hit timely shots.
🔮 Season Outlook: What to Expect
- 📆 Nonconference: Expect some growing pains early, but the schedule will help Ganot mold his new unit.
- 🏆 Big West Contender: If backcourt gels and Johnson/Finlinson hold up inside, top-3 finish is realistic.
- 🌍 National Spotlight: With Patty Mills’ presence and JUCO firepower, this is the most interesting UH team in years.
📝 Final Take: The Bounce Back Blueprint
After a season of disappointment, the Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors have reloaded with one clear goal: to restore their island pride and compete for a Big West championship. With one of the deepest transfer classes in the league, the arrival of NBA great Patty Mills as GM, and the steady hand of Coach Eran Ganot, this team feels less like a rebuild—and more like a reawakening.
If their guard play stabilizes and the frontcourt holds, don’t be surprised if Hawai‘i becomes the mid-major darling of the 2026 NCAA Tournament conversation
🔒 Editorial Disclaimer | Unit 1 Hoop Source
This scouting report has been updated to reflect new and verified roster information regarding Isaiah Kerr and Yacine Toumi, who are now officially listed as part of the Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors men’s basketball program for the 2025–26 season.
At Unit 1 Hoop Source, we are committed to maintaining the highest editorial standards. All evaluations are based on official team announcements, coaching insights, verified statistics, and detailed film study. We fact-check player movement through NCAA transfer portals, official school releases, and media guides to ensure every published profile meets our transparency standard.
We take pride in correcting, updating, and presenting all information with accuracy and respect for the players, programs, and coaches we cover.
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Contact us at u1hoop@gmail.com
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